Enjoyable if You Can Get Past the Vocals
GadgetGuy | Southern California | 11/12/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I couldn't resist buying this album while on a recent trip to Tokyo. After all, how often do we get a chance to hear such a great band playing old favorites while (presumably) using up-to-date recording technology? All the original members are here except Alex Harvey, of course. After giving it a listen, I was very impressed by the quality of the playing -- these guys still have a great sound. The vocals are another matter, as it's obvious that no one could ever really replace Alex Harvey. Max Maxwell, the lead vocalist, seems to understand this well enough, and even jokes about it in "Framed". But with all of the original songs permanently burned into my brain 30+ years ago, it's a bit jarring to hear a different voice singing them now.
Bottom line: If you can accept that the vocals are not going to sound exactly like the original (how could they?), then I would recommend picking this up, if for no reason other than to spend some time listening to old friends playing some of their great old songs."
Vambo Rool!!!
Thomas A. Gallagher | New Jersey, U.S.A. | 08/03/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I cannot recommend this CD enough for those who are fans of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band. For those who are not familiar with their music, this twin live CD from their recent tour covers 13 tunes made by Alex's live antics when the band was in their prime during the mid 70's. I surely miss Alex no one could truly replace him. All I can say is that the new vocalist and storyteller Max Maxwell does an incredible job and really pays homage to Alex here. Max has the perfect vocal abilities and persona for filling such big shoes. He should be commended for doing such a great job interpreting the songs and I am sure that Alex would have approved of the performance here. I can definitely see Alex smiling about the whole affair. "The S.A.H.B." is simply cooking on this set, the audience is fully cooked and really into it too. Zal's guitar is searing, fully rigged and Hugh is whipping on keys. With Chris on bass and Ted on drums, the rhythm section is locked, loaded and blowing it out big time. Everyone is right on the money. The sound quality is super for a live recording. Gimme a break, it doesn't get much better than this. The raw power comes through loud and clear. If I had one wish it would be that I was at one of these shows. I really hope that the band decides to embark on another tour including the U.S. next time around. These guys are amazing!! Get it, you will not regret it one bit. After hearing this it will definitely inspire you to pull out the original S.A.H.B. CD's again and if you don't have them, what are you waiting for? These guys rock big time and blow away a good amount of anything you will hear today or yesterday for that matter!!! Hail Vibrainia!!"
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1